The Finale of the 5-Day Sugar Challenge: Becoming a Nutritarian.

Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a leading figure in the health and nutrition field, concluded the 5-Day Challenge by introducing us to his revolutionary 'Nutritarian Diet.' He emphasized the importance of a plant-based, nutrient-dense diet in reducing sugar intake and maintaining healthy, nutrient-dense cells.

The Nutritarian Diet, proven effective in reversing chronic illnesses, provides our cells with the nutrients they need to function properly and maintain optimal health. To learn more about this diet, read Dr. Fuhrman's two best-selling novels: Eat to Live or Eat for Life.

Dr. Fuhrman is not against eating sweets. He promotes desserts to end our meals, but making them with healthy foods is essential. He shared with us his favourite ice cream ingredients that satisfy your sweet ending to a meal. His recipe included bananas, soy milk, vanilla bean powder, macadamia nuts, walnuts, dates, cacao nibs, cinnamon, and mint. I have tried making the ice cream, and it was delicious.

Nathan Crane and Dr. Fuhrman concluded the Challenge by recapping the importance of the many concepts discussed over the five days. They noted that people who took on this challenge take upwards to five days to rid their bodies of the sugars, regain their energy, and begin to awaken deadened taste buds. So, if you are interested in switching out free sugars and processed foods, you will initially feel tired due to being used to sugar spikes. Don't eat because you feel fatigued; eat because you are hungry.

I enjoyed the 5-Day Challenge and learned some new information to add to my toolbox for healthy eating. I left knowing that I am on the right track to support my cells, hence my body, with foods that will help its function and ensure I maintain no evidence of active disease.

My takeaways:

• G- BOMBS is a great way to focus on including greens, beans, onions, berries and seeds. These nutrient-dense foods support weight loss, prevent chronic diseases, and promote your health and immune system.

• This was a reminder that many within the food industry have created foods that addict us to free sugars, creating a dependency on non-healthy foods. I will do my best to make local and national farmers rich.

• This was a reminder of the importance of carbohydrates, which support the slow spike in glucose and give us energy to function throughout the day.

• To brush my teeth after my supper dessert to signal that I am done eating for the day. This allows my gut to rest and repair throughout the evening and as I sleep rather than spend this valuable time digesting food.

• To adopt and adapt the practices shared here. Dr. Furhman views maple syrup and honey as akin to free sugars. I will not eliminate these foods from my diet, but I have already begun limiting them. One of my favourite dressings combines olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. I now use olive oil and fruit-infused balsamic vinegar. It is still flavourful and reduces my use of maple syrup.

What are your takeaways?